Many dead as heavy snow traps drivers in their vehicles in northern Pakistan
NepalPress
At least 21 people have died after heavy snow trapped them in their vehicles in northern Pakistan, BBC reported.
The military is attempting to clear roads and rescue those still trapped near the hilltop town of Murree.
Around 1,000 vehicles were trapped on a highway during a blizzard, according to Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid.
Murree is a mountain resort town north of the capital Islamabad. Local media reported on Friday that tourists were getting stranded due to snow.
More than 100,000 cars had entered Murree in recent days to see the unusually heavy snowfall. This caused a huge traffic jam on roads leading in and out of the town, police said.
The area has now been declared a disaster area and people have been urged to stay away.
“For the first time in 15 to 20 years such large number of tourists flocked to Murree, which created a big crisis,” Mr Rashid said in a video message.
Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed shock over the “tragic deaths” of the tourists.
“Have ordered inquiry and putting in place strong regulations to ensure prevention of such tragedies,” Khan said in a tweet.
NepalPress 
